WIC Offers Year-Round Support for Breastfeeding Moms

WIC and the MCHD celebrate and promote the many benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants.

How does WIC support breastfeeding mothers and their babies?

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) plays a crucial role in supporting breastfeeding mothers. WIC is also committed to ensuring the health and nutritional well-being of infants, children, and pregnant women.

The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) can provide numerous services to WIC participants and the general public as a result of this program. These services include the following support for our county’s breastfeeding moms:

Certified Lactation Consultants.
The MCHD provides registered nurses (RNs) who are also Certified Lactation Consultants. These nurses offer individual and family appointments as needed for all WIC participants.

MCHD WIC RNs are also available to provide extra support to mothers who wish to breastfeed. This support includes practical tips on how to overcome breastfeeding challenges.

The MCHD is pleased to offer all clients a nurturing and non-judgmental environment. Our goal is to assist all WIC participants in reaching their health and nutritional goals.

Education and counseling.
Education and individual counseling are the foundation of WIC's support for breastfeeding. The MCHD WIC staff offers these services for expectant and new mothers in Moultrie County.

Education and counseling services include personalized guidance on breastfeeding techniques, addressing common challenges, and debunking breastfeeding myths. MCHD WIC RNs provide this service in-office and by phone.

Providing evidence-based information to expectant and new mothers helps them successfully start and continue their breastfeeding journey.

Breastfeeding classes and support groups.
The MCHD WIC staff will soon provide informative breastfeeding classes and support groups in Moultrie County. These gatherings will serve as a “safe space” for mothers to connect with others who can share similar experiences.

Mothers can share their stories, seek advice from breastfeeding experts, and celebrate their breastfeeding achievements together.

Watch our Events page for upcoming group opportunities.

Breastfeeding equipment.
WIC's commitment to supporting breastfeeding extends to helping mothers obtain essential equipment.

This equipment includes breast pumps, nursing bras, etc. These items are essential to working or busy mothers who might face challenges in maintaining breastfeeding while managing other responsibilities.

The MCHD WIC staff are also committed to ensuring that mothers can continue breastfeeding even when separated from their infants. This is done to support breastfeeding as a sustainable and economic practice.

Nutrition support for breastfeeding mothers.
Simply stated: A well-nourished mother is better equipped to provide optimal nutrition to her baby through breastfeeding.

WIC offers individually-tailored food packages to ensure pregnant and breastfeeding mothers receive foods appropriate to their personal preferences. Meeting the nutritional needs of the mother helps support their health and the health of their infants.

This basic nutritional support also plays a vital role in the health and development of the infant into childhood and beyond.

WIC support continues in Moultrie County.
The impact of WIC's support for breastfeeding cannot be overstated.

WIC's comprehensive approach to breastfeeding has significantly contributed to greater breastfeeding success among WIC participants.

These efforts have also improved the health status of mothers and infants in Moultrie County and throughout the U.S.

Contact Moultrie County’s WIC office for more information.
As a result of the impact of WIC and the many services it provides to participants, the MCHD can also extend opportunities for breastfeeding and nutrition education throughout Moultrie County.

Our certified lactation consultants can provide educational resources, individual counseling, and support to individuals who are interested in breastfeeding.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about breastfeeding or how the MCHD and the WIC program can assist you and your family, please contact us at (217) 728-4114.